How to Pronounce Clean

To pronounce "clean", say CLEAN — one syllable, IPA /kleːn/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

clean

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/kleːn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “clean”

"clean" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with keen and obscene, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: kleen — easy to mix up when writing.

What does clean mean?

noun

  1. Removal of dirt.

    “This place needs a clean.”

  2. The first part of the event clean and jerk in which the weight is brought from the ground to the shoulders.

verb

  1. To remove dirt from a place or object.

    “Can you clean the windows today?”

  2. To tidy up, make a place neat.

    “Clean your room right now!”

adjective

  1. (heading, physical) Free of dirt or impurities or protruberances.
  2. (heading, behavioural) Free of immorality or criminality.

Synonyms

clean

Antonyms

dirtyunclean

Words that rhyme with clean

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

keenobscenemeanbyzantinelibertinecareenleandemeanpreengleancontraveneteen

Related words

spotlessspecklessimmaculateunsoiledpristinepureunblemishedunobjectionable

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "clean"?▾

"Clean" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "clean"?▾

The IPA transcription of "clean" is /kleːn/.

What does "clean" mean?▾

Clean: Removal of dirt.

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